I have read a number of posts in this thread, and would like to add the following.
This threads title miss-represents the original article from mrm.org. Mission Presidents are NOT Bishops. The original poster mixes apples and oranges for, I suppose, their own deceitful purpose.
Whereas there are almost 30,000 Bishops, there are only a few hundred Mission Presidents. The situation is wholly different, Bishops serve in same area they live and are employed. Mission Presidents are sent to locations all around the world and do not own a home in the mission or have a income earning job there. Mission Presidents voluntarily server full time. Bishops part time.
I see at church on the bulletin board, a list of open volunteer positions, the church is seeking to fill. I’ll have to take a closer look and see if mission presidents are on it, but I do know that all the positions listed give an estimated cost per month the volunteer will need to pay.
In that light, When I served my mission, I (parents) paid “X” amount a month to serve. On occasions the mission provide a car. I suppose it was a benefit. But factoring in what I was already paying to serve, was it really? When I served, I had to find housing and cover rent from my “X” amount. Today the mission arranges apartments and that is covered by the “X” amount the missionary pays.
My current calling permits or allows for me to seek re-reimbursement from the church for miles driven with my car in service. As I am financially OK, and filing is a burden, I decline to seek the reimbursement.
The above scales all the way up to the highest levels in the LDS church leadership. Mitt Romney is wealthy, and if had won the US Presidency, had planned to decline the Presidential salary (Like George Washington). For all the Church positions which do qualify for stipends and such, it is ultimately based on need.
The LDS claim of an all non-paid clergy references the congregational leadership positions, ie Bishops, branch Presidents, and Councilors.
I know our critics always see a glass half empty in regards to the Saviors church, and can only spin negative that which is other wise a righteous practice or concept.
I bare testimony that The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints is just that, Christ’s Church upon the earth in these latter days. For those who seek and see such, it is a tremendous blessing unto them.
Yours in Christ, Brother Niv